From Bully To Beloved

CAL

A few hours earlier

I’m meeting with “the garage crew” for the first time since all positions have been filled.

A couple of them are already waiting when Justin and I walk in. Most are mechanics with years of experience. It takes Justin and me a little while to show the new guys around the place, but once we’re done, Justin offers to take the guys out for dinner. It’s something we’ve done with my other businesses as a way to get to know each other.

“I have a date,” I tell Justin with a grin. “But why don’t you and the guys stop by the apartment for a quick drink before you go out?”

“I’m game. Are you sure Sera isn’t going to mind? Given you have a date and everything?”ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

“Nah, she won’t mind. She’s not home yet.”

We all grab our bikes and roll out, heading toward my place. In the back of my mind, I know Sera wants to talk, but I’m assuming she’s still tied up at work. Which is why, when I walk in and find her shoes by the door, I’m surprised.

“Sera? You in?” I call as the guys file in behind me.

“Juuuhu. I’m inhe-ere!”

Huh. Odd.

There’s something different about her voice. Her calling me from the bedroom is also strange. Juuuhu? That’s not Sera. I hope she’s not getting sick or anything. Ignoring the guys, I walk down the hall toward the bedroom.

Is she all right? Why is she in the room? Is she not feeling good?

Jesus.

Fucking.

Christ.

The second I step through the doorway, I’m greeted with a fucking spectacular sight. Sera is lying on my bed, done up in some of the hottest lingerie I’ve ever seen. For fuck’s sake, she’s wearing a corset? Is that what it is? My mind is blank.

And then I remember the guys are here.

“Cal, Sera?” Justin calls, following me. “Everything okay?”

Sera’s eyes suddenly widen when she realizes I’m not alone.

“Sera,” I say. “What-?”

Justin is right behind me, and when she realizes it’s him, she swears, bolts out of the bed, her mind-blowing tits bouncing, and slams the door in my face. It all happens so fast, it takes a second for me to catch up. My mind is stuck on the image of her waiting for me in bed, in barely-there clothing with candles around her.

Shifting to face Justin, I’m met with a confused expression. I get the feeling he didn’t see anything. Good.

“Is Sera okay?” he asks, concern lacing his tone.

“You guys need to go.”

“Why? What happened?”

“Just go.”

He knows by my tone of voice that I’m not in the mood to argue.

Also, he’s a man. He ain’t dumb.

“K.” Turning around, he heads back into the living room, and I hear him say, “Hey, guys, we need to bounce. Now.”

There’s confusion, but Justin ushers them out the door. It pains me to step away from the bedroom door, but I do so I can lock up after them.

All I can think about is getting my hands and mouthonSera-and my tongue and dickinSera.

Alone at last, I waste no time banging on the bedroom door. “Sera, let me in.”

“No,” she shouts from the other side.

Shit. I was afraid of this. That look of horror on her face is burned into my memory. Fuck, fuck.

Gotta smooth this over.

I knowexactlyhow.

So, I say, “You got all sexed up and aren’t even going to let me ravish you? Now that’s justfuckingselfish.”

“Goaway, Cal.”

“Come on, the guys are gone. Pretty sure nobody saw anything.”

“I’m never going to be able to look Justin in the eye again. I’m sofreakingembarrassed.”

“Babe, chill-you have nothing to be embarrassed about.” She really doesn’t. I did get a good look at her, and all I know is, what I saw would drive any man fucking crazy. “Nobody saw nothing.” I try the doorknob again, but it doesn’t budge. “Sera, unlock the door.”

“Of course I have a reason to be embarrassed! I tried to do something slightly impulsive, and it blew up in my face. I can’tbelieveJustin saw me in lingerie.”

Chuckling, I lean against the doorframe with one hand, using the other to push my hair from my face. “Babe, he didn’t see anything. All he saw was my back. I was in his way. I’m the only one who saw what you’re working with. I gotta say, I have a smoking-hot wifey.” My dick is still semi-hard from the view she gave me.

She doesn’t answer right away. “I’m not in the mood to be teased right now.”

“I’m not teasing you,” I rumble deeply. “Seriously, who cares about those guys? This isn’t about them. It’s about us. Right now, I want you to open this door and give me a better look at that sexy little number you’re wearing.”

There’s silence.

I wait impatiently.

“Open, baby. I’m not gonna repeat myself,” I growl. “Or do you wanna get a spanking?”

I’m just about to bust down the door when I hear the click of the lock.